Endoscopic reposable surgical clip applier

ABSTRACT

A hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier includes an outer housing defining a channel therethrough, a driver gear slidably disposed within the channel, a transmission gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel, and a display gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel. Each of the driver gear, transmission gear, and display gear is configured for reciprocal movement within the channel. Distal advancement of the driver gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the transmission gear and distal advancement of the transmission gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the display gear. The transmission gear is caused to the rotated in a first direction during each distal advancement of the driver gear and the display gear is caused to be rotated in the first direction during a predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/545,508 filed Aug. 15, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates to surgical clip appliers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic reposable surgical clip appliers having a reusable handle assembly, at least one reusable shaft assembly, and at least one disposable clip cartridge assembly.

Description of Related Art

Endoscopic surgical clip appliers are used for a number of distinct and useful surgical procedures. In the case of a laparoscopic surgical procedure, access to the interior of an abdomen is achieved through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted through a small entrance incision in the skin. Minimally invasive procedures performed elsewhere in the body are often generally referred to as endoscopic procedures. Typically, a tube or cannula device is extended into the patient's body through the entrance incision to provide an access port. The port allows the surgeon to insert a number of different surgical instruments therethrough using a trocar and for performing surgical procedures far removed from the incision.

During a majority of these procedures, the surgeon must often terminate the flow of blood or another fluid through one or more vessels. The surgeon will often use a particular endoscopic surgical clip applier to apply a surgical clip to a blood vessel or another duct to prevent the flow of body fluids therethrough during the procedure.

Endoscopic surgical clip appliers having various sizes (e.g., diameters), that are configured to apply a variety of diverse surgical clips, are known in the art, and which are capable of applying a single or multiple surgical clips during an entry to the body cavity. Such surgical clips are typically fabricated from a biocompatible material and are usually compressed over a vessel. Once applied to the vessel, the compressed surgical clip terminates the flow of fluid therethrough.

During endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures it may be desirable and/or necessary to use different size surgical clips or different configured surgical clips depending on the underlying tissue or vessels to be ligated. In order to reduce overall costs of an endoscopic surgical clip applier, it is desirable for a single endoscopic surgical clip applier to be loadable with and capable of firing different size surgical clips as needed.

Accordingly, a need exists for endoscopic surgical clip appliers that include reusable handle assemblies, reusable shaft assemblies, and disposable clip cartridge assemblies, with each clip cartridge assembly being loaded with a particularly sized clip (e.g., relatively small, relatively medium, or relatively large).

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to reposable endoscopic surgical clip appliers.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier is provided. The hub assembly includes an outer housing defining proximal and distal end surfaces which define a channel therethrough, a driver gear slidably supported within the channel, a transmission gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel, and a display gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel. Each of the driver gear, transmission gear, and display gear is configured for reciprocal movement within the channel. Distal advancement of the driver gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the transmission gear and distal advancement of the transmission gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the display gear. The transmission gear is caused to be rotated in a first direction during each distal advancement of the driver gear and the display gear is caused to be rotated in a second direction during a predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.

In aspects, a portion of the channel may define a pair of opposed bosses having an upper portion and a lower portion.

In certain aspects, the driver gear may define a plurality of teeth on a distal portion thereof.

In other aspects, the transmission gear may define a plurality of teeth on a proximal portion thereof, the plurality of teeth configured to selectively engage the plurality of teeth of the driver gear to cause rotation of the transmission gear in the first direction during engagement therewith.

In certain aspects, the plurality of teeth of the transmission gear may be configured to engage the upper portion of the pair of opposed bosses to further rotate the transmission gear in the first direction.

In aspects, the transmission gear may define a pair of opposed teeth on a distal portion thereof.

In other aspects, the display gear may define a first plurality of teeth on a proximal portion thereof configured to engage the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses. Engagement between the first plurality of teeth and the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses may cause rotation of the display gear in the second direction during a predetermined proximal retraction of the display gear corresponding to the predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.

In certain aspects, the display gear may define a second plurality of teeth on the proximal portion thereof. The second plurality of teeth may be disposed radially inward of predetermined teeth of the first plurality of teeth and configured to selectively engage the pair of opposed teeth of the transmission gear.

In other aspects, the second plurality of teeth may define a pair of teeth corresponding to the pair of teeth of the transmission gear.

In certain aspects, an outer surface of the display gear may define a plurality of portions having a contrasting color.

In aspects, the outer housing may define a plurality of windows therethrough. A greater portion of each of the plurality of portions may have a contrasting color that is visible through each window of the plurality of windows after each predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.

In certain aspects, each engagement of the plurality of teeth of the driver gear with the plurality of teeth of the transmission gear may cause the transmission gear to rotate 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the first direction.

In aspects, each engagement of the plurality of teeth of the transmission gear with the upper portion of the pair of opposed bosses may cause the transmission gear to rotate a further 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the first direction.

In other aspects, predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear may correspond to ½ of a rotation of the transmission gear.

In aspects, the display gear may be configured to rotate 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the second direction during engagement of the second plurality of teeth of the display gear with the pair of opposed teeth of the transmission gear.

In certain aspects, the first plurality of teeth of the display gear may engage the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses during proximal translation thereof after the predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear. Engagement of the first plurality of teeth of the display gear and the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses may cause the display gear to rotate a further 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the second direction.

In other aspects, the hub assembly may further include a display gear biasing element interposed between a distal surface of the display gear and a proximal facing surface defined by the channel. The display gear biasing element may be configured to bias the display gear in a proximal direction.

In certain aspects, the hub assembly may further include a spindle translatably supported within the channel. The spindle may be in selective communication with the driver gear.

In aspects, the hub assembly may further include an overstroke mechanism disposed within a distal portion of the channel.

In certain aspects, the overstroke mechanism may be in mechanical communication with the spindle. The overstroke mechanism may be configured to permit an overextension of the spindle and inhibit damage to a pair of jaws associated with the endoscopic assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A particular embodiment of a surgical clip applier is disclosed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reposable endoscopic surgical clip applier, according to the present disclosure including a reusable handle assembly, and a first endoscopic assembly and a second endoscopic assembly each selectively connectable to the handle assembly;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the reposable endoscopic surgical clip applier including the reusable handle assembly and the first endoscopic assembly connected thereto;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the handle assembly with at least a housing half-section removed therefrom;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the handle assembly of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 4, illustrating a pawl switch and a pawl actuator of the handle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the pawl switch of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of the pawl actuator of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 8-9 are various perspective views of the pawl switch and the pawl actuator of the handle assembly, shown in operation with the pawl switch in an un-actuated condition and the pawl actuator engaged with a pawl of a ratchet assembly;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the pawl switch and the pawl actuator of the handle assembly, shown in operation with the pawl switch in the un-actuated condition and the pawl actuator engaged from the pawl of the ratchet assembly;

FIG. 11 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1 as taken through 11-11 of FIG. 1, illustrating the pawl switch in an actuated condition;

FIGS. 12-13 are various perspective views of the pawl switch and the pawl actuator of the handle assembly, shown in operation with the pawl switch in the actuated condition and the pawl actuator disengaged from the pawl of the ratchet assembly;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the pawl switch and the pawl actuator of the handle assembly, shown in operation with the pawl switch in the actuated condition and the pawl actuator disengaged from the pawl of the ratchet assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the first endoscopic assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a top, plan view of the first endoscopic assembly of FIGS. 1 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the first endoscopic assembly of FIGS. 1 and 15-16, as taken through 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an initial connection of the handle assembly and the first endoscopic assembly;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal, transverse cross-sectional view illustrating the initial connection of the handle assembly and the first endoscopic assembly;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal, transverse cross-sectional view illustrating a complete connection of the handle assembly and the first endoscopic assembly;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal, transverse cross-sectional view illustrating an initial actuation of the handle assembly with the first endoscopic assembly connected thereto;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal, transverse cross-sectional view illustrating a complete actuation of the handle assembly with the first endoscopic assembly connected thereto;

FIG. 26 is perspective view of the reposable endoscopic surgical clip applier including the reusable handle assembly and the second endoscopic assembly connected thereto;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the second endoscopic assembly of FIGS. 1 and 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a shaft assembly of the second endoscopic assembly;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the distal end of the shaft assembly of the second endoscopic assembly with an outer tube removed therefrom;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the distal end of the shaft assembly of the second endoscopic assembly with the outer tube and a pusher bar removed therefrom;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the distal end of the shaft assembly of the second endoscopic assembly with the outer tube, the pusher bar and a clip channel removed therefrom;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the distal end of the shaft assembly of the second endoscopic assembly with the outer tube, the pusher bar, the clip channel and a pair of jaws and a filler component removed therefrom;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the distal end of the shaft assembly of the second endoscopic assembly with the outer tube, the pusher bar, the clip channel, the pair of jaws, the filler component, and a wedge plate removed therefrom;

FIG. 40 is a longitudinal, transverse cross-sectional view illustrating a complete connection of the handle assembly and the second endoscopic assembly, prior to actuation of a trigger of the handle assembly;

FIG. 41 is a longitudinal, transverse cross-sectional view illustrating a complete actuation of the handle assembly with the second endoscopic assembly connected thereto;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an endoscopic assembly provided in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, as taken through 43-43 of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view, with parts separated of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of an outer housing of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a cartridge cylinder of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a spindle of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a display gear of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 48A is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the display gear of FIG. 48;

FIG. 49 is a rear view of the display gear of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a transmission gear of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 51 is a rear view of the transmission gear of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a side view of a driver gear of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 52A is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the driver gear of FIG. 52;

FIG. 53A is a front view of a lockout spring of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 53B is a perspective view of the lockout spring of FIG. 53A;

FIG. 54 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, shown in a partially actuated position;

FIG. 55 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, shown with the driver gear of FIG. 52 engaged with the transmission gear of FIG. 50;

FIG. 56 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, shown in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 57 is perspective, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, shown with the transmission gear of FIG. 50 engaging a portion of the outer housing of FIG. 45;

FIG. 58 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, shown with the driver gear of FIG. 52 and the transmission gear of FIG. 50 in a partially actuated position;

FIG. 59 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, shown with the transmission gear of FIG. 50 partially engaging the display gear of FIG. 48;

FIG. 60 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42, shown with the display gear of FIG. 48 engaging a portion of the outer housing of FIG. 45;

FIG. 61A is a side view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42 shown with a portion of a shaded region of the display gear of FIG. 48 visible;

FIG. 61B is a side view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42 shown with a greater portion of the shaded region of the display gear of FIG. 48 visible;

FIG. 62 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42 showing the lockout spring of FIG. 53A engaging a portion of the spindle of FIG. 47;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view with parts separated of an overstroke mechanism for use with the endoscopic assembly of FIG. 42;

FIG. 64A is a side view of the overstroke mechanism of FIG. 63;

FIG. 64B is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the overstroke mechanism of FIG. 63 shown in an initial, unactuated position;

FIG. 64C is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the overstroke mechanism of FIG. 63 shown in a partially actuated position;

FIG. 64D is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the overstroke mechanism of FIG. 63 shown in a fully actuated position;

FIG. 64E is a side view of the overstroke mechanism of FIG. 63 shown in a fully actuated position; and

FIG. 65 is a schematic illustration of a robotic surgical system configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of reposable endoscopic surgical clip appliers, in accordance with the present disclosure, will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical structural elements. As shown in the drawings and described throughout the following description, as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on a surgical instrument, the term “proximal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is further away from the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-29, an endoscopic surgical clip applier in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and assembly in a particular configuration, is generally designated as 10. Surgical clip applier 10 generally includes a reusable handle assembly or actuation assembly 100, at least one disposable or reusable endoscopic assembly 200 selectively connectable to and extendable distally from handle assembly 100; and optionally at least one disposable surgical clip cartridge assembly (not shown) selectively loadable into a shaft assembly of a respective endoscopic assembly 200.

Briefly, the shaft assembly of endoscopic assembly 200 may have various outer diameters such as, for example, about 5 mm or about 10 mm, depending on intended use. Further, the shaft assembly may have various relatively elongated or shortened lengths depending on intended use, such as, for example, in bariatric surgery. In one embodiment, in bariatric surgery, the shaft assembly may have a length of between about 30 cm and about 40 cm. Further, the shaft assembly may be configured to fire and form a specific type of surgical clip, either individually or multiply. However one skilled in the art should appreciate that the shaft assembly may have any length in excess of about 30 cm and the present disclosure is not limited to any of the above identified lengths.

In accordance with the present disclosure, as will be discussed in greater detail below, an endoscopic assembly or a surgical clip cartridge assembly (not shown) may be loaded with a particularly sized set of surgical clips (e.g., relatively small surgical clips, relatively medium surgical clips, or relatively large surgical clips). It is contemplated that clip cartridge assemblies may be configured to be selectively loaded into the shaft assembly of a respective endoscopic assembly 200, and to be actuated by the same or common handle assembly 100, to fire and form the surgical clip(s) loaded therein onto underlying tissue and/or vessels.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-14, handle assembly 100 of surgical clip applier 10 is shown and will be described. Handle assembly 100 includes a housing 102 having a first or right side half-section 102 a and a second or left side half-section 102 b. Housing 102 of handle assembly 100 further includes or defines, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a nose 102 c. Housing 102 of handle assembly 100 may be formed of a suitable plastic or thermoplastic material. It is further contemplated that housing 102 of handle assembly 100 may be fabricated from stainless steel of the like.

Handle assembly 100 includes a trigger 104 pivotably supported between right side half-section 102 a and left side half-section 102 b of housing 102. Trigger 104 is biased by a biasing member 104 a (e.g., a return spring, compression spring or torsion spring) to an un-actuated condition. Specifically, biasing member 104 a (FIG. 4) acts on a feature of trigger 104 and on a feature of housing 102 to bias or urge trigger 104 to the un-actuated condition. Trigger 104 includes a drive arm 104 b extending therefrom. Drive arm 104 b may be integrally formed therewith or may be separately and fixedly secured to trigger 104. Drive arm 104 b may define a curved, radiused or filleted upper distal surface.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8-14, trigger 104 supports or is provided with at least one linear rack 152 of teeth 152 a of a ratchet assembly 150, as will be described in detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 11, handle assembly 100 includes a drive plunger 120 operatively connected to trigger 104. Specifically, drive plunger 120 is slidably supported within housing 102 and defines a pair of opposed, axially extending slots 120 a formed in an outer surface thereof. Slots 120 a of drive plunger 120 are configured to slidably engage or receive opposed tabs 102 d of housing 102. Drive plunger 120 further defines a proximally extending trigger slot 120 b formed in a proximal portion thereof for operatively receiving drive arm 104 b of trigger 104. Trigger slot 120 b defines a distal surface or wall 120 c against which a distal surface of drive arm 104 b of trigger 104 contacts in order to distally advance drive plunger 120 during an actuation of trigger 104.

Drive plunger 120 further includes a tooth 120 d (FIG. 11) projecting into trigger slot 120 b. Tooth 120 d projects substantially toward trigger 104 and includes a distal surface or wall 120 d 1 (spaced proximally from distal surface or wall 120 c of drive plunder 120), and a proximal, angled wall 120 d 2 tapering to a relatively smaller height in a proximal direction.

Drive plunger 120 additionally includes a tab or fin 120 e projecting from a surface thereof. Tab 120 e of drive plunger 120 may be substantially aligned or in registration with tooth 120 d of drive plunger 120. Tab 120 e of drive plunger 120 may project in a direction substantially opposite to tooth 120 d of drive plunger 120 or to trigger 104.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 11, handle assembly 100 includes an endoscopic assembly release lever 130 pivotally supported on and connected to housing 102 via a pivot pin 132. Pivot pin 132 is supported in housing 102. Release lever 130 includes a proximal end 130 a extending proximally of pivot pin 132. Proximal end 130 a of release lever 130 includes a wall 130 c dimensioned to extend toward a pawl switch 140 of handle assembly 100, as will be described in greater detail below.

Release lever 130 includes a distal end 130 b extending distally of pivot pin 132. Distal end 130 b of release lever 130 includes a catch or tooth 130 d projecting therefrom, in a direction towards drive plunger 120. Catch 130 d may be located distal of drive plunger 120.

A biasing member 134, in the form of a leaf spring, may be provided which tends to bias distal end 130 b and catch 130 d of release lever 130 towards drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, and tends to bias proximal end 130 a of release lever 130 away from pawl switch 140. Specifically, biasing member 134 tends to maintain catch 130 d of release lever 130 in engagement with an engagement feature (e.g., annular channel 212 c) of endoscopic assembly 200, as will be described in greater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 11-14, as mentioned above, handle assembly 100 includes a ratchet assembly 150 supported within housing 102. Ratchet assembly 150 includes, as also mentioned above, at least one linear rack 152 of teeth 152 a supported on and projecting from trigger 104. Ratchet assembly 150 further includes a ratchet pawl 154 pivotally connected to housing 102 by a pawl pin at a location wherein pawl 154 is in substantial operative engagement with rack 152. Ratchet assembly 150 further includes a pawl spring 156 configured and positioned to bias pawl 154 into operative engagement with rack 152. Pawl spring 156 functions to maintain the tooth or teeth 154 a of pawl 154 in engagement with teeth 152 a of rack 152, as well as to maintain pawl 154 in a rotated or canted position.

Pawl 154 is engagable with rack 152 to restrict longitudinal movement of rack 152 and, in turn, trigger 104. In use, as trigger 104 is actuated (from a fully un-actuated position), rack 152 is also moved, into engagement with pawl 154. Rack 152 has a length which allows pawl 154 to reverse and advance back over rack 152, when rack 152 changes between proximal or distal movement, as trigger 104 reaches a fully actuated or fully un-actuated position. The relative lengths and sizes of rack 152 of ratchet assembly 150, trigger 104 and drive plunger 120 define a stroke length of trigger 104, drive plunger 120 or handle assembly 100 (e.g., a “full stroke”).

Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 11 and 18, handle assembly 100 includes a rotation knob 160 rotatably supported on nose 102 c of housing 102. Rotation knob 160 includes a central axial bore 160 a having an annular array of longitudinally extending grooves 160 b (FIG. 18) formed in a surface thereof. Grooves 160 b of rotation knob 160 function as clocking and alignment features for the connection of endoscopic assembly 200 with handle assembly 100. Rotation knob 160 further includes a plurality of finger grip ribs 160 c projecting from an outer surface thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4-14, handle assembly 100 further includes a pawl switch 140 and a pawl actuator 142 each pivotally supported in housing 102. Pawl switch 140 is operatively connected to pawl actuator 142 and is operable to selectively move pawl actuator 142 into or out of engagement with pawl spring 156, and in turn pawl 154, of ratchet assembly 150 whereby pawl 154 may be selectively engaged by pawl spring 156. In this manner, when pawl 154 is moved out of engagement with pawl spring 156, trigger 104 is free to open and close as needed due to pawl 154 having minimal blocking effect on rack 152 of ratchet assembly 150. As such, trigger 104 may be partially actuated (without having to be fully actuated), and may be returnable to a fully un-actuated position. Such a feature permits the user to partially squeeze or actuate trigger 104 for performing a cholangiogram procedure or the like.

Pawl switch 140 includes a finger lever 140 a projecting from housing 102, whereby pawl switch 140 may be actuated by a finger of a user. Housing 102 of handle assembly 100 may be provided with guard walls 102 d disposed on opposed sides of finger lever 140 a in order to inhibit inadvertent actuation of pawl switch 140. Pawl switch 140 is movable, upon actuation of finger lever 140 a, between a first position in which ratchet assembly 150 is “on” or “activated”, and a second position in which ratchet assembly 150 is “off” or “de-activated.” It is contemplated that pawl switch 140, and in turn ratchet assembly 150, default to the first position.

Pawl switch 140 further includes a first flange 140 b projecting a first distance from a pivot point thereof, and a second flange 140 c projecting a second distance from the pivot point thereof, wherein the projection of the second flange 140 c is greater than the projection of the first flange 140 b. First flange 140 b of pawl switch 140 is selectively engagable by wall 130 c of proximal end 130 a of release lever 130. In this manner, each time an endoscopic assembly 200 is attached to handle assembly 100, and release lever 130 is actuated, wall 130 c of release lever 130 engages first flange 140 b of pawl switch 140 to move pawl switch to the first position (FIGS. 19-22).

Pawl switch 140 also includes a ramp or camming surface 140 d projecting therefrom which selectively engages a tab or finger 142 a of pawl actuator 142 to slidably move pawl actuator 142, and in turn pawl spring 156, into and out of operative engagement/registration with/from pawl 154.

Pawl actuator 142 is pivotally connected to housing 102 and operatively connected to pawl switch 140 such that actuation of pawl switch 140 actuates pawl actuator 142. Pawl actuator 142 is slidably supported on a pair of support pins 143 a, 143 b, and a biasing member 144 is provided to bias pawl actuator 142 against pawl switch 140. In operation, with reference to FIGS. 11-14, when pawl switch 140 is actuated to the second position, ramp or camming surface 140 d of pawl switch 140 acts on tab 142 a of pawl actuator 142 to transversely slide pawl actuator 142 along support pins 143 a, 143 b and move pawl spring 156 out of operative engagement/registration with pawl 154, thereby disabling the operability of ratchet assembly 150. Also, as pawl actuator 142 is slid transversely along support pins 143 a, 143 b, pawl actuator 142 biases biasing member 144.

Further in operation, with reference to FIGS. 8-10, when pawl switch 140 is actuated to the first position, ramp or camming surface 140 d of pawl switch 140 is moved to permit biasing member 144 to expand and transversely slide pawl actuator 142 along support pins 143 a, 143 b, whereby pawl spring 156 is moved back into operative engagement/registration with pawl 154, thereby enabling or re-enabling the operability of ratchet assembly 150.

Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 16 and 17, an embodiment of an endoscopic assembly 200, of surgical clip applier 10, is shown and described. Endoscopic assembly 200 includes a hub assembly 210, a shaft assembly 220 extending from hub assembly 210, and a pair of jaws 250 pivotally connected to a distal end of shaft assembly 220. It is contemplated that endoscopic assembly 200 may be configured to close, fire or form surgical clips similar to those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Hub assembly 210 functions as an adapter assembly which is configured for selective connection to rotation knob 160 and nose 102 c of housing 102 of handle assembly 100. Hub assembly 210 includes an outer housing 212 having a cylindrical outer profile. Outer housing 212 includes a first or right side half section 212 a, and a second or left side half section 212 b. Outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210 defines an outer annular channel 212 c formed in an outer surface thereof, and at least one (or an annular array) of axially extending ribs 212 d projecting from an outer surface thereof. Outer annular channel 212 c of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 is configured to receive catch 130 d of release lever 130 of handle assembly 100 (FIGS. 19-22) when endoscopic assembly 200 is coupled to handle assembly 100.

Ribs 212 d of outer housing 212 function as a clocking/alignment feature during connection of endoscopic assembly 200 and handle assembly 100 with one another, wherein ribs 212 d of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 are radially and axially aligned with respective grooves 160 b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100. During connection of endoscopic assembly 200 and handle assembly 100, ribs 212 d of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 are slidably received in respective grooves 160 b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100.

The connection of hub assembly 210 of endoscopic assembly 200 with rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100 enables endoscopic assembly 200 to rotate 360°, about a longitudinal axis thereof, relative to handle assembly 100.

Outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210 further defines an open proximal end 212 e configured to slidably receive a distal end of drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, when endoscopic assembly 200 is coupled to handle assembly 100 and/or when surgical clip applier 10 is fired.

As mentioned above, endoscopic assembly 200 includes a shaft assembly 220 extending distally from hub assembly 210. Shaft assembly 220 includes an elongate outer tube 222 having a proximal end 222 a supported and secured to outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210, a distal end 222 b projecting from outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210, and a lumen 222 c (FIGS. 15 and 17) extending longitudinally therethrough. Distal end 222 b of outer tube 222 supports or defines an outer clevis 222 d for pivotally supporting a pair of jaws 250, as will be described in greater detail below.

Shaft assembly 220 further includes an inner shaft 224 slidably supported within lumen 222 c of outer tube 222. Inner shaft 224 includes a proximal end 224 a projecting proximally from proximal end 222 a of outer tube 222, and a distal end 224 b defining an inner clevis 224 c for supporting a cam pin 224 d which engages camming slots 252 c, 254 c of a pair of jaws 250, as will be described in greater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 17, hub assembly 210 includes a drive assembly 230 supported within outer housing 212 thereof. Drive assembly 230 includes a cartridge cylinder 232 having a cup-like configuration, wherein cartridge cylinder 232 includes an annular wall 232 a, a proximal wall 232 b supported at and closing off a proximal end of annular wall 232 a, an open distal end 232 c, and a cavity or bore 232 d defined therewithin.

Drive assembly 230 also includes a cartridge plunger 234 slidably supported within bore 232 d of cartridge cylinder 232. Cartridge plunger 234 is fixedly supported on inner shaft 224, at the proximal end 224 a thereof. Cartridge plunger 234 is sized and configured for slidable receipt within bore 232 d of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230. A ring, flange or the like 235 may be fixedly supported at a distal end of bore 232 d of cartridge cylinder 232, through which proximal end 224 a of cartridge plunger 234 extends and which functions to maintain cartridge plunger 234 within bore 232 d of cartridge cylinder 232.

Drive assembly 230 includes a first biasing member 236 (e.g., a compression spring) disposed within bore 232 d of cartridge cylinder 232. Specifically, first biasing member 236 is interposed between proximal wall 232 b of cartridge cylinder 232 and a proximal surface of cartridge plunger 234. First biasing member 236 has a first spring constant “K1” which is relatively more firm or more stiff, as compared to a second spring constant “K2” of a second biasing member 238, as is described in detail below.

Drive assembly 230 further includes a second biasing member 238 (e.g., a compression spring) supported on proximal end 224 a of inner shaft 224. Specifically, second biasing member 238 is interposed between a proximal flange 222 d of outer tube 222 and a distal surface of cartridge plunger 234. Second biasing member 238 has a second spring constant “K2” which is relatively less firm or less stiff, as compared to the first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 236.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, endoscopic assembly 200 includes a pair of jaws 250 pivotally supported in a clevis 222 d at distal end 222 b of outer tube 222 by a pivot pin 256. The pair of jaws 250 includes a first jaw 252 and a second jaw 254. Each jaw 252, 254 includes a respective proximal end 252 a, 254 a, and a respective distal end 252 b, 254 b, wherein proximal ends 252 a, 254 a and distal ends 252 b, 254 b of jaws 252, 254 are pivotable about pivot pin 256. Each proximal end 252 a, 254 a of respective jaws 252, 254 defines a cam slot 252 c, 254 c therein which is sized and configured to receive cam pin 224 d of inner shaft 224. In use, as inner shaft 224 is axially displaced relative to outer shaft 222, inner shaft 224 translated cam pin 224 d thereof through cam slot 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254 to thereby open or close the pair of jaws 250.

When the pair of jaws 250 are in an open position, and a new, unformed or open surgical clip (not shown) is located or loaded within the distal ends 252 b, 254 b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250, as inner shaft 224 is moved distally relative to outer shaft 222, cam pin 224 d is translated through cam slots 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254. As cam pin 224 d is translated through cam slots 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254 the distal ends 252 b, 254 b of jaws 252, 254 are moved to the closed or approximated position to close and/or form the surgical clip located or loaded therewithin.

The dimensions of jaws 252, 254 and of cam slots 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254 determines an overall length required to move jaws 252, 254 from a fully open position to a fully closed position, defining a closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 250.

With reference now to FIGS. 19-25, an operation or firing of surgical clip applier 10, including endoscopic assembly 200 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, is shown and described. With endoscopic assembly 200 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, and with a new, unformed or open surgical clip (not shown) is located or loaded within the distal ends 252 b, 254 b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250, as trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is actuated drive bar 104 b of trigger 104 acts on drive plunger 120 to distally advance drive plunger 120. As trigger 104 is actuated, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 begins to engage rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 engaged with rack 152, trigger 104 may not return to a fully unactuated position until trigger 104 completes a full actuation or stroke thereof.

As drive plunger 120 is distally advanced, a distal end of drive plunger 120 presses against proximal wall 232 b of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230 of endoscopic assembly 200 to distally advance cartridge cylinder 232. Due to first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 236 being larger or greater than second spring constant “K2” of second biasing member 238, as cartridge cylinder 232 is advanced distally, cartridge cylinder 232 distally advances first biasing member 236, which in turn acts on cartridge plunger 234 to distally advance cartridge plunger 234. As cartridge plunger 234 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 234 distally advances inner shaft 224 relative to outer shaft 222. Being that second biasing member 238 is interposed between proximal flange 222 d of outer tube 222 and distal surface of cartridge plunger 234, as cartridge plunger 234 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 234 also compresses second biasing member 238.

As inner shaft 224 is distally advanced relative to outer shaft 222, inner shaft 224 distally advances cam pin 224 d through cam slot 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254 to close the pair of jaws 250 and to close and/or form the surgical clip (not shown) loaded within the pair of jaws 250. Cam pin 224 d of inner shaft 224 is advanced distally until cam pin 224 d reaches an end of cam slots 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 and/or until the distal ends 252 b, 254 b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 are fully approximated against one another (e.g., in contact with one another or fully closed on the surgical clip (not shown)), whereby cam pin 224 d may not have reached the end of cam slots 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254. This position may be considered a hard stop of the pair of jaws 250. The axial distance that cam pin 224 d has traveled from a proximal-most position thereof to when cam pin 224 d reaches the end of cam slots 252 c, 254 c of jaws 252, 254 or when the distal ends 252 b, 254 b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 are fully approximated against one another, may also define the closure stroke length of the pair of jaw 250.

When the pair of jaws 250 have reached the hard stop, or when the cam pin 224 d has reached an end of the closure stroke length, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 may not have cleared rack 152 thereof, and thus blocks or prevents trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position thereof. Since the pair of jaws 250 cannot close any further, and since cam pin 224 d cannot be advanced distally any further, inner shaft 222 is also stopped from further distal advancement. However, as mentioned above, in order to return trigger 104 to the fully unactuated position, trigger 104 must first complete the full actuation stroke thereof. As such, as trigger 104 is further actuated to complete the full stroke thereof, as drive plunger 120 is continued to be driven distally, the distal end of drive plunger 120 continues to press against proximal wall 232 b of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230 of endoscopic assembly 200 to continue to distally advance cartridge cylinder 232.

With inner shaft 222, and in turn cartridge plunger 234, stopped from any further distal advancement, as cartridge cylinder 232 is continued to be advanced distally, cartridge cylinder 232 begins to and continues to compress first biasing member 236 until such time that pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 clears and disengages rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 clear and disengaged from rack 152, trigger 104 may be released and returned to the fully unactuated position by hand, by a return spring 104 a of trigger 104 and/or by first biasing member 236 and second biasing member 238 of endoscopic assembly 200.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the trigger stroke length for trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant or fixed, while the closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 250 may vary depending on the particular endoscopic assembly 200 connected to handle assembly 100. For example, particular endoscopic assemblies 200 may require the pair of jaws 250 thereof to travel a relatively greater or smaller distance in order to complete a full opening and closing thereof. As such, various sized and dimensioned endoscopic assemblies, including a hub assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, substantially similar to hub assembly 210, may be connected to the universal handle assembly 100 and be actuatable by the universal handle assembly 100.

Accordingly, various endoscopic assemblies, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, may be provided which are also capable of firing or forming or closing surgical clips of various sizes, materials, and configurations, across multiple platforms for multiple different manufactures.

Turning now to FIGS. 26-29, an endoscopic surgical clip applier, in accordance with the present disclosure, and assembly in another configuration, is generally designated as 10′. Surgical clip applier 10′ generally includes reusable handle assembly 100, at least one disposable or reusable endoscopic assembly 400 selectively connectable to and extendable distally from handle assembly 100; and optionally at least one disposable surgical clip cartridge assembly (not shown) selectively loadable into a shaft assembly of a respective endoscopic assembly 400.

Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 16 and 17, an embodiment of an endoscopic assembly 400, of surgical clip applier 10′, is shown and described. Endoscopic assembly 400 includes a hub assembly 410, a shaft assembly 420 extending from hub assembly 410, and a pair of jaws 450 pivotally connected to a distal end of shaft assembly 420. It is contemplated that endoscopic assembly 400 may be configured to close, fire or form surgical clips similar to those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,886 or 7,905,890, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Hub assembly 410 also functions as an adapter assembly which is configured for selective connection to rotation knob 160 and nose 102 c of housing 102 of handle assembly 100. Hub assembly 410 includes an outer housing 412 having a cylindrical outer profile. Outer housing 412 includes a first or right side half section 412 a, and a second or left side half section 412 b. Outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410 defines an outer annular channel 412 c formed in an outer surface thereof, and at least one (or an annular array) of axially extending ribs 412 d projecting from an outer surface thereof. Outer annular channel 412 c of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 is configured to receive catch 130 d of release lever 130 of handle assembly 100 (FIGS. 28 and 29) when endoscopic assembly 400 is coupled to handle assembly 100.

Ribs 412 d of outer housing 412 function as a clocking/alignment feature during connection of endoscopic assembly 400 and handle assembly 100 with one another, wherein ribs 412 d of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 are radially and axially aligned with respective grooves 160 b of rotation knob 160 (FIG. 18) of handle assembly 100. During connection of endoscopic assembly 400 and handle assembly 100, ribs 412 d of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 are slidably received in respective grooves 160 b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100.

The connection of hub assembly 410 of endoscopic assembly 400 with rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100 enables endoscopic assembly 400 to rotate 360°, about a longitudinal axis thereof, relative to handle assembly 100.

Outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410 further defines an open proximal end 412 e configured to slidably receive a distal end of drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, when endoscopic assembly 400 is coupled to handle assembly 100 and/or when surgical clip applier 10′ is fired.

As mentioned above, endoscopic assembly 400 includes a shaft assembly 420 extending distally from hub assembly 410. Shaft assembly 420 includes an elongate outer tube 422 having a proximal end 422 a supported and secured to outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410, a distal end 422 b projecting from outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410, and a lumen 422 c (FIG. 27) extending longitudinally therethrough. Distal end 422 b of outer tube 422 supports a pair of jaws 450.

Shaft assembly 420 further includes an inner shaft 424 slidably supported within lumen 422 c of outer tube 422. Inner shaft 424 includes a proximal end 424 a projecting proximally from proximal end 422 a of outer tube 422, and a distal end 424 b configured to actuate the pair of jaws 450 to form a surgical clip (not shown) that has been loaded into the pair of jaws 450. Proximal end 424 a, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, may define a hook 424 c or other translational force coupling feature.

With reference to FIGS. 27-29, hub assembly 410 includes a drive assembly 430 supported within outer housing 412 thereof. Drive assembly 430 includes a cartridge cylinder 432 having a cup-like configuration, wherein cartridge cylinder 432 includes a longitudinally split annular wall 432 a, a proximal wall 432 b supported at and closing off a proximal end of annular wall 432 a, an open distal end 432 c, a cavity or bore 432 d defined therewithin, and a pair of axially extending slits 432 e. Cartridge cylinder 432 includes an annular flange 432 f provided at distal end 432 c thereof. A ring, flange or the like 435 may be fixedly supported at a proximal end of cartridge cylinder 432.

Drive assembly 430 also includes a cartridge plunger or key 434 slidably supported within bore 432 d and within slits 432 e of cartridge cylinder 432. Cartridge plunger 434 is selectively connectable to proximal end 424 a of inner shaft 424. Cartridge plunger 434 is sized and configured for slidable receipt within slits 432 e and bore 432 d of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430. Cartridge plunger 434 includes an elongate stem or body portion 434 a having a proximal end 434 b, and a distal end 434 c, wherein distal end 434 c of cartridge plunger 434 is configured for selective connection to proximal end 424 a of inner shaft 424. Cartridge plunger 434 further includes a pair of opposed arms 434 d supported at the proximal end 434 b thereof and which extend in a distal direction along stem 434 a and towards distal end 434 c. Each arm 434 d terminates in a radially extending finger 434 e, wherein fingers 434 e project from cartridge cylinder 432 when cartridge plunger 434 is disposed within cartridge cylinder 432.

Drive assembly 430 may also include a collar 437 defining a lumen therethrough and through with inner shaft 424 and stem 434 a of cartridge plunger 434 extend. Collar 437 includes an outer annular flange 437 a extending therefrom.

Drive assembly 430 includes a first biasing member 436 (e.g., a compression spring) disposed about cartridge cylinder 432. Specifically, first biasing member 436 is interposed between ring 435 supported on cartridge cylinder 432 and fingers 434 e of cartridge plunger 434. First biasing member 436 has a first spring constant “K1” which is relatively more firm or more stiff, as compared to a second spring constant “K2” of a second biasing member 438, as is described in detail below.

Drive assembly 430 further includes a second biasing member 438 (e.g., a compression spring) supported on stem 434 a of cartridge plunger 434 and on collar 437. Specifically, second biasing member 438 is interposed between a flange 437 a of collar 437 and proximal end 434 b of cartridge plunger 434. Second biasing member 438 has a second spring constant “K2” which is relatively less firm or less stiff, as compared to the first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 436.

Turning now to FIGS. 26-41, shaft assembly 420 of endoscopic assembly 400 includes at least a spindle 440 slidably supported in lumen 422 c of outer tube 422, a wedge plate 460 slidably supported within lumen 422 c of outer tube 422 and interposed between the pair of jaws 450 and spindle 440; a clip channel 470 fixedly supported in lumen 422 c of outer tube 422 and disposed adjacent the pair of jaws 450 (supported in and extending from distal end 422 b of outer tube 422) on a side opposite wedge plate 460, and a pusher bar 480 slidably supported in lumen 422 c of outer tube 422 and being disposed adjacent clip channel 470.

Spindle 440 includes a proximal end 440 defining an engagement feature (e.g., a nub or enlarged head) configured to engage a complementary engagement feature provided in distal end 424 b of inner shaft 424. Spindle 440 further includes a distal end 440 b operatively connected to a jaw cam closure wedge 442 via a slider joint 444. Jaw cam closure wedge 442 is selectively actuatable by spindle 440 to engage camming features of the pair of jaws 450 to close the pair of jaws 450 and form a surgical clip “C” loaded therewithin.

Slider joint 444 supports a latch member 446 for selective engagement with spindle 440. Latch member 446 may be cammed in a direction toward spindle 440, wherein latch member 446 extends into a corresponding slot formed in spindle 440 during actuation or translation of spindle 440. In operation, during distal actuation spindle 400, at a predetermined distance, latch member 446 is mechanically forced or cammed into and engage a channel of spindle 440. This engagement of latch member 446 in the channel of spindle 440 allows slider joint 444 to move together with jaw cam closure wedge 442. Jaw cam closure wedge 442 thus can engage the relevant surfaces of the pair of jaws 450 to close the pair of jaws 450.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 39, slider joint 444 is connected, at a proximal end 444 a thereof, to a channel formed in spindle 440. A distal end 444 b of slider joint 444 defines a substantially T-shaped profile, wherein the distal end 444 b thereof is connected to jaw cam closure wedge 442. Latch member 446 functions as a linkage and is disposed to move through an aperture 444 c in slider joint 444 to link with another fixed member and prevent slider joint 444 from advancing jaw cam closure wedge 442, and thus preventing the camming of jaw cam closure wedge 442 from camming the pair of jaws 450 to a closed condition during an initial stroke of trigger 104.

Spindle 440 is provided with a camming feature configured to move a cam link 448 (pivotably connected to a filler component 466, as will be described in greater detail below) a perpendicular manner relatively to a longitudinal axis of spindle 440 during a distal advancement of spindle 440.

Clip channel 470 of shaft assembly 420 slidably retains a stack of surgical clips “C” therein for application, in seriatim, to the desired tissue or vessel. A clip follower 472 is provided and slidably disposed within clip channel 470 at a location proximal of the stack of surgical clips “C”. A biasing member 474 is provided to spring bias clip follower 472, and in turn, the stack of surgical clips “C”, distally. A clip channel cover 476 is provided that overlies clip channel 470 to retain and guide clip follower 472, biasing member 474 and the stack of surgical clips “C” in clip channel 470.

As mentioned above, shaft assembly 420 includes a pusher bar 480 for loading a distal-most surgical clip “C1” of the stack of surgical clips “C” into the pair of jaws 450. Pusher bar 480 includes a pusher 480 a at a distal end thereof for engaging a backspan of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” and urging the distal-most surgical clip “C1” into the pair of jaws 450. Pusher bar 480 includes a fin or tab 480 b extending therefrom and extending into a slot 482 a of a trip block 482. Fin 480 b of pusher bar 480 is acted upon by a biasing member (not shown) that is supported in trip block 482 to bias pusher bar 480 in a proximal direction.

In operation, in order for spindle 440 to advance pusher bar 480 during a distal movement thereof, spindle 440 supports a trip lever 484 and a biasing member 486 (e.g., leaf spring). During a distal movement of spindle 440, as illustrated in FIG. 31, a distal nose or tip 484 a of trip lever 484 selectively engages pusher bar 480 to distally advance pusher bar 480 and load distal-most surgical clip “C1” into the pair of jaws 450.

Also as mentioned above, shaft assembly 420 further includes a wedge plate 460 that is biased to a proximal position by a wedge plate spring 462. Wedge plate 460 is a flat bar shaped member having a number of windows formed therein. Wedge plate 460 has a distal-most position wherein a tip or nose of wedge plate 460 is inserted between the pair of jaws 450 to maintain the pair of jaws 450 in an open condition for loading of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” therein. Wedge plate 460 has a proximal-most position, maintained by wedge plate spring 462, wherein the tip or nose of wedge plate 460 is retracted from between the pair of jaws 450.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 38, wedge plate 460 defines a “U” or “C” shaped aperture or window 460 b in a side edge thereof. The “C” shaped aperture or window 460 b of wedge plate 460 selectively engages a cam link 448 supported on a filler plate 466. Cam link 448 selectively engages a surface of “C” shaped aperture or window 460 b of wedge plate 460 to retain wedge plate 460 in a distal-most position such that a distal tip or nose 460 a of wedge plate 460 is maintained inserted between the pair of jaws 450 to maintain the pair of jaws 450 splayed apart.

Shaft assembly 420 further includes a filler component 466 interposed between clip channel 470 and wedge plate 460, at a location proximal of the pair of jaws 450. Filler component 466 pivotably supports a cam link 448 that is engagable with wedge plate 460. In operation, during a distal advancement of spindle 440, a camming feature of spindle 440 engages a cam link boss of cam link 448 to thereby move cam link 448 out of engagement of wedge plate 460 and permit wedge plate 460 to return to the proximal-most position as a result of biasing member 462.

Trip block 482 defines an angled proximal surface 482 b for engagement with a corresponding surface of trip lever 484 that will be discussed herein. As mentioned above, notch or slot 482 a of trip block 482 is for receipt of fin 480 b of pusher bar 480. In order to disengage trip lever 484 from a window 480 c (FIG. 31) of pusher bar 480, and allow pusher bar 480 to return to a proximal-most position following loading of a surgical clip “C” into the pair of jaws 450, angled proximal surface 482 b trip block 482 engages trip lever 484 to cam trip lever 484 out of window 480 c of pusher bar 480. It is contemplated that spindle 440 may define a first cavity and a second cavity therein for receiving trip lever 484 and trip lever biasing spring 486, respectively. The first cavity may be provided with a pivoting boss to allow trip lever 484 to pivot between a first position and a second position. Trip lever biasing spring 486 may rest in the second cavity.

Trip lever biasing spring 486 functions to maintain a tip of trip lever 484 in contact with pusher bar 480, and more specifically, within window 480 c of pusher bar 480 (FIG. 31) such that distal advancement of spindle 440 results in distal advancement of pusher bar 480, which in turn results in a loading of a distal-most surgical clip “C1” in the pair of jaws 450.

With reference to FIGS. 28, 33 and 36, clip applier 10′ also has a lockout bar 490. Lockout bar 490 includes a first end, and a second opposite hook end. The second hook end of lockout bar 490 is adapted to engage clip follower 472 of shaft assembly 420. Lockout bar 490 is pivotally retained in a slot formed in clip follower 472. Lockout bar 490 does not by itself lockout clip applier 10′, but instead cooperates with the ratchet mechanism 150 of handle assembly 100 to lock out clip applier 10′.

Lockout bar 490 is adapted to move distally with clip follower 472 each time clip applier 10′ is fired, and clip follower 472 is advanced distally. In operation, each time a surgical clip “C” is fired from clip applier 10′, clip follower 472 will advance distally relative to the clip channel 470.

Pusher bar 480 defines a distal window therein (not shown). In operation, when clip follower 472 is positioned beneath pusher bar 480 (e.g., when there are no remaining surgical clips), a distal end 490 a of lockout bar 490 will deflect upward (due to a biasing of a lockout biasing member 492), and enter a distal window 480 d of pusher bar 480 to engage pusher bar 480 at a distal end of distal window 480 d. Further, a proximal end 490 b of lockout bar 490, defines a hook (FIG. 37), which is rotated into and engages an aperture defined in a floor of clip channel 470.

With the distal end of pusher bar 480 disposed within distal window 480 d of pusher bar 480, pusher bar 480, and in turn, spindle 440 cannot return to a fully proximal position. Since spindle 440 cannot return to the fully proximal position, pawl 152 of ratchet mechanism 150 of handle assembly 100 cannot return to the home or initial position relative to rack 154 thereof. Instead, pawl 154 will remain in an intermediate position along rack 154, thus preventing trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 26-29, an operation or firing of surgical clip applier 10′, including endoscopic assembly 400 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, is shown and described. With endoscopic assembly 400 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, as trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is actuated drive bar 104 b of trigger 104 acts on drive plunger 120 to distally advance drive plunger 120. As trigger 104 is actuated, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 begins to engage rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 engaged with rack 152, trigger 104 may not return to a fully unactuated position until trigger 104 completes a full actuation or stroke thereof.

As drive plunger 120 is distally advanced, a distal end of drive plunger 120 presses against proximal wall 432 b of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430 of endoscopic assembly 400 to distally advance cartridge cylinder 432. Due to first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 436 being larger or greater than second spring constant “K2” of second biasing member 438, as cartridge cylinder 432 is advanced distally, ring 435 acts on first biasing member 436 which in turn acts on fingers 434 e of cartridge plunger 434 to push cartridge plunger 434 distally. As cartridge plunger 434 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 434 distally advances inner shaft 424 relative to outer shaft 422. Being that second biasing member 438 is interposed between a flange 437 a of collar 437 and proximal end 434 b of cartridge plunger 434, as cartridge plunger 434 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 434 also compresses second biasing member 438.

As inner shaft 424 is distally advanced relative to outer shaft 422, inner shaft 424 actuates a clip pusher (not shown) which in turn acts on a distal-most surgical clip (not shown) of a stack of surgical clips (not shown) to distally advance the distal-most surgical clip into the pair of jaws 450. Following loading of the distal-most surgical clip into the pair of jaws 450, the distal advancement of inner shaft 424 effects a closure of the pair of jaws 450 to form the surgical clip loaded therewithin.

When the pair of jaws 450 have fully closed to form the surgical clip loaded therein, or when the pair of jaws 450 have reached a hard stop, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 may not have cleared rack 152 thereof, and thus blocks or prevents trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position thereof. Since the pair of jaws 450 cannot close any further, inner shaft 422 is also stopped from further distal advancement. However, as mentioned above, in order to return trigger 104 to the fully unactuated position, trigger 104 must first complete the full actuation stroke thereof. As such, as trigger 104 is further actuated to complete the full stroke thereof, as drive plunger 120 is continued to be driven distally, the distal end of drive plunger 120 continues to press against proximal wall 432 b of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430 of endoscopic assembly 400 to continue to distally advance cartridge cylinder 432.

With inner shaft 422, and in turn cartridge plunger 434, stopped from any further distal advancement, as cartridge cylinder 432 is continued to be advanced distally relative to cartridge plunger 434, cartridge cylinder 432 begins to and continues to compress first biasing member 436 until such time that pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 clears and disengages rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 clear and disengaged from rack 152, trigger 104 may be released and returned to the fully unactuated position by hand, by a return spring (not shown) of trigger 104 or handle assembly 100 and/or by first biasing member 436 and second biasing member 438 of endoscopic assembly 400.

With reference to FIGS. 42-53B, another embodiment of an endoscopic assembly is provided and generally identified by reference numeral 500. The endoscopic assembly 500 is similar to the endoscopic assembly 400, and therefore, for purposes of brevity, only the differences therebetween are described in detail hereinbelow.

The hub assembly 510 of the endoscopic assembly 500 includes an outer housing 512 having a generally cylindrical outer profile and includes a first or right side half section 512 a and a second or left side half section 512 b. An outer surface of the outer housing 512 of the hub assembly 510 defines an outer annular channel 512 c therein to receive the catch 130 d of the release lever 130 of the handle assembly 100 (FIGS. 28 and 29) when the endoscopic assembly 500 is coupled to the handle assembly 100.

An inner surface 514 (FIG. 45) of the outer housing 512 of the hub assembly 510 defines a channel 516 therethrough extending through proximal and distal end surfaces thereof. A proximal portion 516 a of the channel 516 is configured to slidably receive a portion of a cartridge cylinder 520 therein. A medial portion 516 b of the channel 516 is disposed adjacent and distal to the proximal portion 516 a. The greater width of the medial portion 516 b defines a distal facing surface 516 c at an intersection of the proximal portion 516 a and the medial portion 516 b. A distal portion of the medial portion 516 b defines an annular flange 516 d extending radially inward and having a proximal facing surface 516 e and an opposite, distal facing surface 516 f. The annular flange 516 d defines a generally rectangular profile configured to slidably receive a driver gear 560 and inhibit rotation of the driver gear 560 therewithin.

The inner surface 514 of the outer housing 512 defines a chamber 516 g that is disposed adjacent and distal to the annular flange 516 d. The chamber 516 g defines a width that is greater than the annular flange 516 d and the medial portion 516 b, although it is contemplated that the width of the chamber 516 g may be equal to or less than the width of the medial portion 516 b. The inner surface 514 of the outer housing 512 defines a pair of opposed bosses 518 adjacent to, and extending from, the annular flange 516 d. Each boss of the pair of opposed bosses 518 defines a generally rectangular profile extending in a distal direction from the annular flange 516 d and defining an upper portion 518 a and a lower portion 518 b. The lower portion 518 b extends further in a distal direction than the upper portion 518 a and upper portion 518 a extends radially inward a greater amount than the lower portion 518 b such that each of the upper portion 518 a and the lower portion 518 b selectively engage different components of the hub assembly 510. A distal portion of the upper portion 518 a defines a first bevel 518 c that is angled in a distal to proximal direction (e.g., the distal most portion is closest to a medial portion of the chamber 516 g). A distal portion of the lower portion 518 b defines a second bevel 518 d that is oriented in an opposite direction than that of the first bevel, such that the first and second bevels 518 c and 518 d are oriented in a mirrored fashion about a longitudinal axis X-X (FIG. 45) defined through the channel 516.

The inner surface 514 of the outer housing 512 defines a plurality of windows 516 h therethrough at a distal portion of the chamber 516 g. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the plurality of windows 516 h enable a contrasting color 558 (FIG. 48) disposed on the display gear 550 to be visible therethrough when a final surgical clip of a plurality of surgical clips has been formed. A distal end wall 516 i of the chamber 516 g defines a counter bore 516 j configured to receive an over-stroke sleeve 610 (FIG. 44) of an over-stroke mechanism 600. An inner surface of the counterbore 516 j defines a plurality of longitudinally extending slots 516 k configured to engage a corresponding plurality of longitudinally extending splines defined on an outer surface of the over-stroke sleeve 610. A distal most portion 516L of the channel 516 is configured to slidably receive a portion of the outer shaft 422 of the endoscopic assembly 400 therethrough.

The cartridge cylinder 520 includes an elongate body 520 a defining a proximal end wall 520 b and a distal end wall 520 c (FIG. 46). The proximal end wall 520 b is configured to engage the drive plunger 120 of the handle assembly 100, such that distal advancement of the drive plunger 120 causes a corresponding distal advancement of the cartridge cylinder 520 within the proximal portion 516 a of the channel 516. The elongate body 520 a defines a radially extending flange 522 adjacent to the distal end wall 520 c and defines a proximally facing surface 522 a. As illustrated in FIG. 46, the proximally facing surface 522 a is configured to abut the distal facing surface 516 c of the medial portion 516 b when the cartridge cylinder 520 is in an initial, proximal position and inhibit further proximal translation thereof. The distal end wall 520 c of the cartridge cylinder 520 defines a longitudinally extending boss 524 that extends in a distal direction therefrom. The longitudinally extending boss 524 defines a channel 526 through a distal end portion thereof configured to slidably receive a linkage 530. A distal end portion of the longitudinally extending boss 524 defines a lateral bore 524 a extending normal to the channel 526. Lateral bore 524 a is configured to receive a proximal linkage pin 532 to rotatably secure the linkage 530 thereto, such that distal advancement of the cartridge cylinder 520 effectuates a corresponding distal advancement of the linkage 530.

The linkage 530 (FIG. 44) defines a generally rectangular profile extending between proximal and distal end portions 530 a and 530 b, respectively, although it is contemplated that the linkage may define other suitable profiles such as elliptical, etc. The linkage 530 defines proximal and distal apertures 530 c and 530 d therethrough at corresponding proximal and distal end portions 530 a, 530 b thereof. The proximal aperture 530 c is configured to receive the proximal linkage pin 532 therein to rotatably secure the linkage 530 to the cartridge cylinder 520 (e.g., the proximal linkage pin 532 is received within the proximal aperture 530 c of the linkage 530 and the lateral bore 524 a of the cartridge cylinder 520). The distal aperture 530 d is configured to receive a distal linkage pin 534 that is configured to couple the spindle 540 to the linkage 530.

With reference to FIG. 47, the spindle 540 defines a generally cylindrical profile extending between proximal and distal end portions 540 a and 540 b, respectively, although it is contemplated that the spindle 540 may define other suitable profiles, such as elliptical, rectangular, square, etc. An outer surface 540 c of the spindle 540 defines a pair of opposed flats 542 thereon, and defines a slot 544 therethrough at the proximal end portion 540 a of the spindle 540. The slot 544 extends through a proximal end surface 540 d defined on the proximal end portion 540 a such that the linkage 530 may be slidably received therein. The outer surface 540 c of the spindle 540 defines a transverse hole 546 therethrough that is oriented normal to the slot 544 such that when the linkage 530 is received within the slot 544, the transverse hole 546 and the distal aperture 530 d of the linkage 530 are coaxially aligned. The distal linkage pin 534 is configured to be received within the transverse hole 546 to rotatably secure the linkage 530 to the spindle 540 such that distal advancement of the linkage 530 causes a corresponding distal advancement of the spindle 540 and proximal retraction of the linkage 530 causes a corresponding proximal retraction of the spindle 540. The pair of opposed flats 542 define a channel 548 through a medial portion thereof that is configured to slidably receive an over-stroke pin 630 (FIG. 44) of the over-stroke mechanism 600 therein. Although generally illustrated as being disposed at a medial portion of the spindle 540, it is contemplated that the channel 548 may be disposed at any location along the length of the spindle 540. The outer surface 540 c of the spindle defines a transverse slot 540 e therethrough configured to selectively receive a portion of the lockout spring 592 therein. The transverse slot 540 e is oriented normal to the channel 548 and is longitudinally disposed such that the transverse slot 540 e extends entirely therethrough. As can be appreciated, the transverse slot 540 e may be a single slot or may include a pair of opposed slots that do not extend within the channel 548. The transverse slot 540 e is disposed at a location configured to permit the lockout spring 592 (FIG. 44) to be received therein once the final surgical clip of the plurality of surgical clips has been formed, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow.

Turning now to FIGS. 48 and 49, the hub assembly 510 of the endoscopic assembly 500 includes a display gear 550 rotatably and slidably disposed within the chamber 516 g of the channel 516. The display gear 550 defines a generally cylindrical profile extending between proximal and distal end surfaces 550 a and 550 b, respectively. The proximal and distal end surfaces 550 a and 550 b of the display gear 550 define an aperture 552 therethrough that is configured to slidably receive the spindle 540 therein. The proximal end surface 550 a of the display gear 550 defines an annular relief 554 thereon and terminating at a proximal facing surface 554 a. The proximal facing surface 554 a of the display gear 550 defines a plurality of teeth 556 thereon. The plurality of teeth 556 is arranged in a circumferential direction about the proximal facing surface 554 a. The plurality of teeth 556 defines a first plurality of teeth 556 a having a first thickness and a second plurality of teeth 556 b having a second thickness. In this manner, the second plurality of teeth 556 b extends radially inward a greater amount than the first plurality of teeth 556 a. In embodiments, the first plurality of teeth 556 a includes twelve teeth, although it is contemplated that any suitable number of teeth may be utilized depending upon the needs of the procedure being performed. Although generally illustrated as including a pair of teeth defined on the proximal facing surface 554 a at diametrically opposed locations, it is contemplated that the second plurality of teeth 556 b may include any suitable number of teeth and each tooth may be disposed at any suitable location relative to one another. In operation, the first plurality of teeth 556 a is configured to selectively engage the lower portion 518 b of the pair of opposed bosses 518 of the inner surface 514 of the outer housing 512 and the second plurality of teeth 556 b is configured to selectively engage the pair of opposed teeth 568 b of the transmission gear 560.

The proximal facing surface 554 a of the annular relief 554 defines an annular slot 554 b (FIG. 48a ) extending towards the distal end surface 550 b. The annular slot 554 b of the annular relief 554 is configured to selectively receive a portion of the transmission gear 560, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow. A proximal portion of an interior surface 552 a of the aperture 552 defines an annular groove 552 b (FIG. 48a ) therein configured to receive and retain the lockout spring 592 therein. The distal end surface 550 b of the display gear 550 defines a counterbore 552 c therein that is defined concentric with the aperture 552 and terminates at a distal facing surface 552 d. The counterbore 552 c is configured to abut a display gear biasing element 580. In embodiments, the distal end surface 550 b of the display gear 550 may define a planar configuration configured to abut the display gear biasing element 580.

An outer surface 550 c of the display gear 550 defines a plurality of sections having a contrasting color 558. The contrasting color 558 may be any suitable color capable of indicating to the clinician that the number of surgical clips remaining in the clip cartridge assembly (not shown) is below a certain threshold and that the last remaining surgical clip within the clip cartridge assembly has been formed. In this manner, as the display gear 550 is rotated, the amount of the contrasting color 558 that is visible through the plurality of windows 516 h of the outer housing 512 increases until the entirety of each window of the plurality of windows 516 h displays the contrasting color 558 to indicate that there are no surgical clips remaining in the clip cartridge assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 50 and 51, the hub assembly 510 of the endoscopic assembly 500 includes a transmission gear 560 rotatably and slidably disposed within the chamber 516 g of the channel 516. The transmission gear 560 defines a generally cylindrical profile extending between proximal and distal end surfaces 560 a and 560 b, respectively. The proximal and distal end surfaces 560 a, 560 b define a throughbore 562 therethrough that is configured to slidably receive the spindle 540 therein. The proximal end surface 560 a defines a counterbore 564 therethrough terminating at a medial portion of the transmission gear 560, although it is contemplated that the counterbore 564 may terminate at any suitable depth. The proximal end surface 560 a defines a plurality of teeth 566 thereon configured to selectively engage a portion of teeth defined on the driver gear 570 and a portion of the upper portion 518 a of the pair of opposed bosses 518 of the inner surface of the outer housing 512, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth 566 defines a generally horizontal portion 566 a and a generally beveled portion 566 b such that as the generally beveled portion 566 b of the transmission gear 560 engages the first bevel 518 c of the upper portion 518 a of the pair of opposed bosses 518, the transmission gear 560 is caused to rotate.

The distal end surface 560 b defines an annular relief 568 terminating at a distal facing surface 568 a. Although generally illustrated as terminating at a medial portion of the transmission gear 560, it is contemplated that the annular relief 568 may terminate at any suitable portion of the transmission gear 560. The annular relief 568 defines an outer surface 568 a including a pair of opposed teeth 568 b disposed thereon. Each tooth of the pair of opposed teeth 568 b defines a beveled surface 568 c configured to abut a corresponding tooth of the second plurality of teeth 556 b of the display gear 550. The annular relief 568 of the transmission gear 560 is configured to be received within a portion of the annular relief 554 of the display gear 550 to provide additional support and help maintain concentricity between the transmission gear 560 and the display gear 550.

With reference to FIGS. 51 and 52, the hub assembly 510 of the endoscopic assembly 500 includes a driver gear 570 slidably disposed within the chamber 516 g of the channel 516. The driver gear 570 defines an elongate body extending between proximal and distal end portions 572 a and 572 b, respectively. The elongate body of the driver gear 570 defines a generally square profile when viewed in a proximal to distal orientation and is configured to be slidably received within the annular flange 516 d of the channel 516 such that the driver gear 570 is inhibited from rotating with respect to the annular flange 516 d. The distal end portion 572 b defines a radially extending flange 574 having a generally cylindrical profile. A distal face 574 a of the radially extending flange 574 defines a plurality of teeth 576 extending distally therefrom. Although generally illustrated as having four teeth, it is contemplated that the plurality of teeth 576 may include any suitable number of teeth, such as two, three, five, six, etc. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth 576 defines a generally horizontal upper surface 576 a and a generally beveled surface 576 b disposed opposite thereto. As can be appreciated, the orientation of the horizontal upper surface 576 a and the beveled surface 576 b of the plurality of teeth 576 are opposite (e.g., mirrored) to that of the beveled portion 566 b and the horizontal portion 566 a of the plurality of teeth 566 of the transmission gear 560. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, the pair of opposed bosses 518 of the inner surface 514 of the outer housing 512, the first and second plurality of teeth 556 a, 556 b of the display gear 550, the plurality of teeth 566 and the pair of opposed teeth 568 b of the transmission gear 560, and the plurality of teeth 576 of the driver gear 570 cooperate to rotate the display gear 550 each time a surgical clip is formed.

An outer surface 570 a of the driver gear 570 defines a longitudinal slot 570 b therein configured to slidably receive the distal linkage pin 534 therein. As can be appreciated, engagement of the distal linkage pin 534 within the longitudinal slot 570 b maintains the orientation of the spindle 540 relative to the driver gear 570 during longitudinal movement of the spindle 540. Additionally, during proximal retraction of the spindle 540, the distal linkage pin 534 abuts a proximal portion of the longitudinal slot 570 b to urge the driver gear 570 in a proximal direction. The proximal end portion 572 a and the distal face 574 a of the radially extending flange 574 define a throughbore 578 therethrough that is configured to slidably receive the spindle 540 therethrough.

With reference to FIGS. 43 and 44, a display gear biasing element 580 is interposed between the distal end wall 516 m of the channel 516 and the distal end surface 550 b of the display gear 550. The display gear biasing element 580 biases the display gear 560 in a proximal direction such that the first plurality of teeth 556 of the display gear 550 engage the second bevel 518 d of the lower portion 518 b of the pair of opposed bosses 518 (FIG. 45). Although generally illustrated as being a coil spring, it is contemplated that the display gear biasing element 580 may be any suitable biasing element such as a compression spring, an extension spring, a leaf spring, a Bellville washer or plurality of Bellville washers, an elastomer spring, a gas spring, etc.

A return biasing element 590 is disposed within the medial portion 516 b of the channel 516 and is interposed between the distal end wall 520 c of the cartridge cylinder 520 and the annular flange 516 d of the channel 516. Although generally illustrated as being a coil spring, it is contemplated that the return biasing element 590 may be any suitable biasing element capable of biasing the cartridge cylinder 520 in a proximal direction, such as a compression spring, and extension spring, a leaf spring, a Bellville washer or plurality of Bellville washers, an elastomer spring, a gas spring, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 53A and 53B, the lockout spring 592 defines a generally lemniscate configuration, although other suitable configurations are also contemplated. The radially inward extending portions of the lockout spring 592 terminate at an interior portion thereof, such that each side of the lockout spring 592 remains in a spaced apart configuration forming a gap 592 a therebetween configured to slidably receive the spindle 540 therein. A medial portion of the lockout spring 592 defines a pair of opposed tabs 592 a defining a generally planar configuration, although other suitable configurations are also contemplated. The lemniscate profile of the lockout spring 592 biases the pair of opposed tabs 592 toward one another, thereby reducing the gap 592 b formed therebetween. An upper and lower portion of the lockout spring 592 is configured to be received within the annular groove 552 b of the display gear 550 such that the lockout spring 592 is retained therein and inhibited from rotating relative to the display gear 550.

In operation, the spindle 540 is disposed within the gap 592 b defined between the pair of opposed tabs 592 and is permitted to reciprocate therein during the formation of each surgical clip. Once a final surgical clip has been formed, the spindle 540 is permitted to advance in a distal direction until the pair of opposed tabs 592 a of the lockout spring 592 align with the transverse slot 540 e of the spindle. The bias of the lockout spring 592 urges the pair of opposed tabs 592 a in a medial direction such that each tab of the pair of opposed tabs 592 is received within the transverse slot 540 e to inhibit further translation of the spindle 640 in a distal or proximal direction.

With reference to FIGS. 43 and 54-62, in operation and in an initial state, the return biasing element 590 biases the cartridge cylinder 520 in a proximal direction to an initial, retracted position. In this initial position, the distal linkage pin 534 abuts a proximal portion of the longitudinal slot 570 b of the driver gear 570 and causes the driver gear to be placed in an initial, proximal position. Additionally, the display gear biasing element 580 biases the display gear 550 in an initial, proximal position such that the first plurality of teeth 556 a of the display gear 550 engage the lower portion 518 b of the pair of opposed bosses 518 of the inner surface 514 of the outer housing 512.

As the clinician actuates the trigger 104 of the handle assembly 100, the drive plunger 120 is driven in a distal direction and abuts the proximal end wall 520 b of the cartridge cylinder 520. Continued actuation of the trigger 104 causes the drive plunger 120, and thereby the cartridge cylinder 520, to further advance in a distal direction and compress the return biasing element 590. Distal advancement of the cartridge cylinder 520 causes a corresponding distal advancement of the linkage 530 and spindle 540. During initial advancement of the spindle 540, the distal linkage pin 534 translates within the longitudinal slot 570 b of the driver gear 570 to allow distal advancement of the spindle 540 without causing a corresponding distal advancement of the driver gear 570. As the trigger 104 is further actuated, the distal linkage pin 534 abuts a distal portion of the longitudinal slot 570 b and causes the driver gear 570 to also advance in a distal direction. Continued actuation of the trigger 104 causes further distal advancement of the spindle 540 and a corresponding distal advancement of the driver gear 570 until the driver gear 570 engages the transmission gear 560. During engagement of the driver gear 570 with the transmission gear 560, the generally beveled portions 566 b of the plurality of teeth 566 of the transmission gear 560 abut the generally beveled surfaces 576 b of the plurality of teeth 576 of the driver gear 570 thereby causing the transmission gear to rotate 1/24^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 15 degrees). Although generally illustrated as rotating in a counterclockwise direction, it is contemplated that the transmission gear may also be caused to rotate in a clockwise direction.

Additional actuation of the trigger 104 causes further distal translation of the transmission gear 560 and engagement of the transmission gear 560 with the display gear 550. Due to the configuration of the first and second plurality of teeth 556 a, 556 b of the display gear 550, the display gear 550 is caused to rotate only every 6 actuations of the trigger 104. As such, the display gear 550 and the transmission gear 560 are oriented such that the first and second plurality of teeth 556 a, 556 b of the display gear are misaligned with the pair of opposed teeth 568 b of the transmission gear, thereby resulting in no rotation of the display gear 550, and a second scenario wherein the display gear 550 and the transmission gear 560 are oriented such that the first and second plurality of teeth 556 a, 556 b of the display gear are aligned with the pair of opposed teeth 568 b of the transmission gear such that the display gear 550 is caused to rotate.

More specifically, in the first scenario, the pair of opposed teeth 568 b of the transmission gear 560 are misaligned with the second plurality of teeth 556 b of the display gear 550. In this instance, the pair of opposed teeth 568 b of the transmission gear 560 abut the proximal facing surface 554 a of the display gear and drive the display gear 550 in a distal direction and compressing the display gear biasing element 580. At this point, the spindle 540 continues to be urged in a distal direction and form a surgical clip that is loaded between the pair of jaws 450 of the endoscopic assembly 400.

Once the surgical clip has been formed and the clinician releases the trigger 104 of the handle housing 100, the return biasing element 590 biases the cartridge cylinder 520 in a proximal direction, thereby urging the linkage 530 and spindle 540 in a proximal direction. The display gear biasing element 580 biases the display gear 550 in a proximal direction and causes the transmission gear 560 and driver gear 570 to also translate in a proximal direction. The display gear biasing element 580 continues to urge the display gear 550 in a proximal direction causing the proximal facing surface 554 a of the display gear 550 to abut the lower portion 518 b of the pair of opposed bosses 518 of the inner surface 514 of the outer housing 512. In this instance, because the display gear 550 has not rotated relative to the lower portion 518 b of the pair of opposed bosses 518, the first plurality of teeth 556 a engage the lower portion 517 b of the pair of opposed bosses 518 at a similar location from where they were initially, resulting in no rotation of the display gear 550.

As the transmission gear 580 disengages from the display gear 550 and the transmission gear 560 is further urged in a proximal direction, the generally beveled portions 566 b of the plurality of teeth 566 of the transmission gear 560 abut the first bevel 518 c of the upper portion 518 a of the pair of opposed bosses 518 and cause the transmission gear 560 to rotate a further 1/24^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 15 degrees), resulting in a total rotation of 1/12^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 30 degrees). As can be appreciated, the amount of rotation of the transmission gear 560 is correlated to the number of surgical clips to be fired, and therefore, the amount of rotation during each firing of a surgical clip may vary accordingly.

In the second scenario, the pair of opposed teeth 568 b of the transmission gear 560 are aligned with the second plurality of teeth 556 b of the display gear 550. In this instance, the beveled surface 568 c of each tooth of the pair of opposed teeth 568 b abuts a respective tooth of the second plurality of teeth 556 b to cause the display gear 550 to rotate. Although generally shown as rotating in a clockwise direction, it is contemplated that the display gear 550 may also rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Continued actuation of the trigger 104 further urges the transmission gear 560 in a distal direction, causing the display gear 550 to rotate 1/24^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 15 degrees) and urge the display gear 550 in a distal direction and compressing the display gear biasing element 580. At this point, the spindle 540 continues to be urged in a distal direction to form a surgical clip that is loaded between the pair of jaws 450 of the endoscopic assembly 400.

Once the surgical clip has been formed and the clinician releases the trigger 104 of the handle housing 100, the return biasing element 590 biases the cartridge cylinder 520 in a proximal direction, thereby urging the linkage 530, and the spindle 540, in a proximal direction. The display gear biasing element 580 biases the display gear 550 in a proximal direction and causes the transmission gear 560 and the driver gear 570 to also translate in a proximal direction. The display gear biasing element 580 continues to urge the display gear 550 in a proximal direction causing the first plurality of teeth 556 a of the display gear 550 to abut the beveled surface 518 d of the lower portion 518 b of the pair of opposed bosses 518, which causes the display gear 550 to rotate a further 1/24^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 15 degrees), resulting in a total rotation of 1/12^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 30 degrees). As can be appreciated, the amount of rotation of the display gear 550 is correlated to the number of surgical clips to be fired, and therefore, the amount of rotation per engagement with the lower portion 518 of the pair of opposed bosses 518 may vary accordingly. As described hereinabove, the display gear 550 is configured to rotate twice for a given stack of surgical clips (e.g., once every 6 clips). Thus, after the initial 1/12^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 30 degrees), a portion of the contrasting color 558 of the display gear 550 is visible through the plurality of windows 516 h of the outer housing 512 (FIG. 61A). After the second 1/12^(th) of a rotation (e.g., 30 degrees) of the display gear 550, the entirety of the each window of the plurality of windows 516 h is filled by the contrasting color 558 of the display gear 550 to indicate that all of the surgical clip with the clip cartridge assembly have been formed (FIG. 61B).

After the second 1/12^(th) of a rotation of the display gear 550, the pair of opposed tabs 592 a of the lockout spring 592 align with the transverse slot 540 e of the spindle 540, permitting the pair of opposed tabs 592 a to be received within the transverse slot 540 e (FIG. 52). Once received within the transverse slot 540 e, the pair of opposed tabs 592 a inhibit proximal and distal translation of the spindle 540 (e.g., locking the spindle 540 in place) such that if the clinician actuates the trigger 104 of the handle assembly 100 again, the clinician is unable to actuate the trigger 104 and close the pair of jaws 450 of the endoscopic assembly 400 to prevent injury to the patient and medical personnel and prevent damage to the surgical clip applier 10′.

With reference to FIGS. 43, 44, and 62, it is contemplated that the endoscopic assembly 400 may include an over-stroke mechanism 600 disposed within the counterbore 516 j of the channel 516 of the outer housing 512. The over-stroke mechanism 600 includes an over-stroke sleeve 610, an over-stroke biasing element 620, and an over-stroke pin 630. The over-stroke sleeve 610 defines a generally cylindrical configuration extending between proximal and distal end surfaces 610 a and 610 b, respectively. The proximal and distal end surfaces 610 a, 610 b define an aperture 612 therethrough configured to slidably receive the outer shaft 422 of the endoscopic assembly 400 therein. The proximal end surface 610 a defines a counterbore 614 (FIG. 64B) therethrough terminating at a proximal facing surface 614 a (FIG. 64B). The counterbore 614 is configured to receive the over-stroke biasing element 620 therein. Although generally illustrated as being a coil spring, it is contemplated that the over-stroke biasing element 620 may be any suitable biasing element such as a Bellville washer, a plurality of Bellville washers, an elastomeric spring, a gas spring, a leaf spring, etc.

An outer surface 610 c of the over-stroke sleeve 610 defines a longitudinal slot 616 therethrough adjacent the proximal end surface 610 a. Longitudinal slot 616 is configured to slidably receive the over-stroke pin 630 therein and act as a travel limiter for the spindle 540. As illustrated in FIG. 64B, the over-stroke biasing element 620 is interposed between the proximal facing surface 614 a of the over-stroke sleeve 610 and the over-stroke pin 630. The outer surface 610 c of the over-stroke sleeve 610 defines a generally crenellated profile having a plurality of longitudinally extending splines 618 configured to engage the plurality of longitudinally extending slots 516 k of the counterbore 516 j of the channel 516, such that the over-stroke sleeve 610 is inhibited from rotating relative to the outer housing 512.

For a detailed description of exemplary over-stroke mechanisms for use with endoscopic surgical clip appliers such as those described herein, reference can be made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/527,222 to Baril, filed Jun. 30, 2017 and titled “ENDOSCOPIC REPOSABLE SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER,” the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

With reference to FIGS. 64A-64E, the operation of the over-stroke mechanism 600 will be described where the spindle 540 has translated in a distal direction further than is normal during the forming a surgical clip. In the initial, unactuated position, the over-stroke pin 630 is disposed within an aperture defined within a proximal portion of the outer shaft 422, within the channel 548 of the spindle 540, and within the longitudinal slot 616 of the over-stroke sleeve 610. During actuation of the trigger 104 of the handle assembly 100, the spindle 540 is urged in a distal direction such that the over-stroke pin 630 transitions from a distal position within the channel 548 of the spindle 540 to a proximal position within the channel 548. If the trigger 104 is further actuated, the spindle 540 is further urged in a distal direction which can cause damage to the pair of jaws 450 of the endoscopic assembly 400. To prevent damage to the pair of jaws 450, as the spindle 540 translates further in a distal direction, the over-stroke pin 630, and therefore the outer shaft 422, is urged in a distal direction along with the spindle 540, thereby causing the over-stroke biasing element 620 to compress. The compression of the over-stroke biasing element 620, and resulting distal translation of the outer shaft 422, eliminates further clamping of the pair of jaws 450 and prevents any damage to the pair of jaws 450. Upon release of the trigger 104 of the handle assembly 100, the over-stroke biasing element 620 urges the over-stroke pin 630 in a proximal direction and returns the outer shaft 422 to its initial, proximal position. The longitudinal slot 616 of the over-stroke sleeve 610 inhibits the over-stroke pin 620 from translating in a proximal direction past the initial, proximal position of the outer shaft 422.

It is further contemplated that the over-stroke mechanism 600 may prevent damage to the pair of jaws 450 if the pair of jaws 450 become jammed or an object otherwise becomes lodged between the pair of jaws 450. In this manner, as the spindle 540 is coupled to the outer shaft 422, distal translation of the spindle 540 causes the outer shaft 422 to concurrently translate in a distal direction if the pair of jaws 450 are unable to close. For a detailed description of the operation of the over-stroke mechanism 600, reference can be made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/527,222 to Baril, previously incorporated by reference herein.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the trigger stroke length for trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant or fixed, while the closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 450 of endoscopic assembly 400 connected to handle assembly 100 is different than, for example, the closure stroke of the pair of jaws 250 of endoscopic assembly 200. For example, endoscopic assembly 400 may require the pair of jaws 450 thereof to travel a relatively greater or smaller distance as compared to the pair of jaws 250 of endoscopic assembly 200 in order to complete a full opening and closing thereof. As such, universal handle assembly 100 may be loaded with, and is capable of firing, either endoscopic assembly 200 or endoscopic assembly 400.

In accordance with the present disclosure, while the trigger stroke length of trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant, the closure stroke length for the pair of jaws 250, 450 of each endoscopic assembly 200, 400 is unique for each respective endoscopic assembly 200, 400. Accordingly, each drive assembly 230, 430 of respective endoscopic assemblies 200, 400 functions to accommodate for the variations in the closure stroke lengths for the pair of jaws 250, 450 of respective endoscopic assemblies 200, 400.

To the extent consistent, handle assembly 100 and/or endoscopic assemblies 200, 400 may include any or all of the features of the handle assembly and/or endoscopic assemblies disclosed and described in International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/080845, filed Jun. 5, 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Reposable Surgical Clip Applier,” International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/091603, filed on Oct. 10, 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Surgical Clip Applier,” and/or International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/093626, filed on Nov. 3, 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Surgical Clip Applier,” the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

Surgical instruments such as the clip appliers described herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

Referring to FIG. 65, a medical work station is shown generally as work station 1000 and generally may include a plurality of robot arms 1002, 1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005 coupled with control device 1004. Operating console 1005 may include a display device 1006, which may be set up in particular to display three-dimensional images; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by means of which a person (not shown), for example a surgeon, may be able to telemanipulate robot arms 1002, 1003 in a first operating mode.

Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011, to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool “ST” supporting an end effector 1100, in accordance with any one of several embodiments disclosed herein, as will be described in greater detail below.

Robot arms 1002, 1003 may be driven by electric drives (not shown) that are connected to control device 1004. Control device 1004 (e.g., a computer) may be set up to activate the drives, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, their attaching devices 1009, 1011 and thus the surgical tool (including end effector 1100) execute a desired movement according to a movement defined by means of manual input devices 1007, 1008. Control device 1004 may also be set up in such a way that it regulates the movement of robot arms 1002, 1003 and/or of the drives.

Medical work station 1000 may be configured for use on a patient 1013 lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner by means of end effector 1100. Medical work station 1000 may also include more than two robot arms 1002, 1003, the additional robot arms likewise being connected to control device 1004 and being telemanipulatable by means of operating console 1005. A medical instrument or surgical tool (including an end effector 1100) may also be attached to the additional robot arm. Medical work station 1000 may include a database 1014, in particular coupled to with control device 1004, in which are stored, for example, pre-operative data from patient/living being 1013 and/or anatomical atlases.

Reference is made herein to U.S. Pat. No. 8,828,023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the construction and operation of an exemplary robotic surgical system.

It is contemplated, and within the scope of the present disclosure, that other endoscopic assemblies, including a pair of jaws having a unique and diverse closure stroke length thereof, may be provided with a drive assembly, similar to any of the drive assemblies described herein, for accommodating and adapting the closure stroke length for the pair of jaws thereof to the constant trigger stroke length.

Accordingly, various endoscopic assemblies, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, may be provided which are also capable of firing or forming or closing surgical clips of various sizes, materials, and configurations, across multiple platforms for multiple different manufactures.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier, the hub assembly comprising: an outer housing defining proximal and distal end surfaces, the proximal and distal end surfaces defining a channel therethrough; a driver gear slidably supported within the channel; a transmission gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel; and a display gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel, each of the driver gear, transmission gear, and display gear configured for reciprocal movement within the channel, wherein distal advancement of the driver gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the transmission gear and distal advancement of the transmission gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the display gear, wherein the transmission gear is caused to be rotated in a first direction during each distal advancement of the driver gear and the display gear is caused to be rotated in a second direction during a predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.
 2. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the channel defines a pair of opposed bosses having an upper portion and a lower portion.
 3. The hub assembly according to claim 2, wherein the driver gear defines a plurality of teeth on a distal portion thereof.
 4. The hub assembly according to claim 3, wherein the transmission gear defines a plurality of teeth on a proximal portion thereof, the plurality of teeth configured to selectively engage the plurality of teeth of the driver gear to cause rotation of the transmission gear in the first direction during engagement therewith.
 5. The hub assembly according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of teeth of the transmission gear is configured to engage the upper portion of the pair of opposed bosses to further rotate the transmission gear in the first direction.
 6. The hub assembly according to claim 5, wherein the transmission gear defines a pair of opposed teeth on a distal portion thereof.
 7. The hub assembly according to claim 6, wherein the display gear defines a first plurality of teeth on a proximal portion thereof configured to engage the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses, wherein engagement between the first plurality of teeth and the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses causes rotation of the display gear in the second direction during a predetermined proximal retraction of the display gear corresponding to the predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.
 8. The hub assembly according to claim 7, wherein the display gear defines a second plurality of teeth on the proximal portion thereof, the second plurality of teeth disposed radially inward of predetermined teeth of the first plurality of teeth and configured to selectively engage the pair of opposed teeth of the transmission gear.
 9. The hub assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second plurality of teeth define a pair of teeth corresponding to the pair of teeth of the transmission gear.
 10. The hub assembly according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the display gear defines a plurality of portions having a contrasting color.
 11. The hub assembly according to claim 10, wherein the outer housing defines a plurality of windows therethrough, wherein a greater portion of each of the plurality of portions having a contrasting color is visible through each window of the plurality of windows after each predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.
 12. The hub assembly according to claim 9, wherein each engagement of the plurality of teeth of the driver gear with the plurality of teeth of the transmission gear causes the transmission gear to rotate 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the first direction.
 13. The hub assembly according to claim 12, wherein each engagement of the plurality of teeth of the transmission gear with the upper portion of the pair of opposed bosses causes the transmission gear to rotate a further 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the first direction.
 14. The hub assembly according to claim 13, wherein predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear corresponds to ½ of a rotation of the transmission gear.
 15. The hub assembly according to claim 14, wherein the display gear is configured to rotate 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the second direction during engagement of the second plurality of teeth of the display gear with the pair of opposed teeth of the transmission gear.
 16. The hub assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first plurality of teeth of the display gear engage the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses during proximal translation thereof after the predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear, wherein engagement of the first plurality of teeth of the display gear and the lower portion of the pair of opposed bosses causes the display gear to rotate a further 1/24^(th) of a rotation in the second direction.
 17. The hub assembly according to claim 1, further including a display gear biasing element interposed between a distal surface of the display gear and a proximal facing surface defined by the channel, the display gear biasing element configured to bias the display gear in a proximal direction.
 18. The hub assembly according to claim 1, further including a spindle translatably supported within the channel, the spindle in selectively communication with the driver gear.
 19. The hub assembly according to claim 18, further including an overstroke mechanism disposed within a distal portion of the channel.
 20. The hub assembly according to claim 19, wherein the overstroke mechanism is in mechanical communication with the spindle, the overstroke mechanism configured to permit an overextension of the spindle and inhibit damage to a pair of jaws associated with the endoscopic assembly. 